VIDEO: Ruto signals backing for Jalang'o in 2027 Nairobi senatorial race

President William Ruto has signalled support for Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, as a potential frontrunner in the 2027 Nairobi senatorial race.

The President’s apparent endorsement played out during a development tour of Dagoretti South Constituency, effectively setting the stage for an early political contest with the incumbent, Senator Edwin Sifuna.

While speaking at Mutuini Hospital, Ruto referred to Jalang’o as the “Nairobi Senator” before inviting him to address the crowd, a remark that fueled speculation regarding formal backing from the Kenya Kwanza administration.

“Nimekuja hapa na Senator wetu wa Nairobi 2027, mheshimiwa Jalas," Ruto declared amid cheers.

"Our administration is laser-focused on expanding access to quality education and technical skills, empowering youth to drive Kenya’s growth,” he added, as he commissioned new workshop blocks at PC Kinyanjui Technical Training Institute and a modern tuition block at Kawangware Primary School.

JALANG’O BIG WIN! Ruto Introduces Him as Nairobi Senator in Powerful SPEECH! pic.twitter.com/QXoAD11xJe

— Mutembei TV (@MutembeiTV) March 3, 2026

Jalang’o, a former radio presenter turned legislator, has already declared his interest in the seat, pledging to unseat Sifuna and offer what he describes as "fresh leadership" for the capital.

The Lang’ata MP is among a group of lawmakers who have defied the party’s hardline stance against the government.

While Sifuna, the ODM Secretary General, remains a vocal critic of the Kenya Kwanza administration, Jalang’o has aligned himself with the wing led by Oburu Oginga, which favours "developmental cooperation" with the Executive.

This internal wrangling has seen the party leadership publicly split ahead of the upcoming general elections in 2027. 

During the Dagoretti tour, Ruto was flanked by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie, and nominated Senators Tabitha Mutinda and Karen Nyamu.

The presence of both UDA and "pro-government" ODM members signalled a strategic realignment ahead of the next general election.

The President concluded the visit with an inspection of the Riruta Modern Market, announcing that the facility will officially open in May.

The market is expected to provide traders with improved sanitation, electricity, and security, addressing longstanding concerns among small-scale business operators in the area.